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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask what else would you add to this packing list?

112 replies

ifyouwantmylove · 19/05/2026 16:20

I’m off on a solo holiday to southern Europe this summer. I’ve never travelled to a hot location before alone, so trying to be prepared. I’m going to stock up over the next few weeks using the boots recycling scheme to build up points (with a view to purchasing a red light mask in the Boxing Day sales)

Body

  • SPF 50 x 2
  • Shower gel
  • Soap
  • Body moisturiser
  • Body oil
  • After sun
  • Foot cream
  • Shaving gel
  • Razor ✅
  • Post shave oil
  • Anti-chafe balm

Face

  • Rhode face wash
  • Rhode glazing milk
  • Rhode barrier butter
  • Facial SPF 50
  • Retinol
  • Rhode spot patches

First aid/health

  • Paracetamol
  • Ibuprofen
  • Anti-diarrhoea tablets
  • Electrolytes
  • Plasters
  • Blister plasters
  • Antiseptic cream
  • Bite relief cream
  • Antihistamines
  • Cold and flu relief

Miscellaneous

  • Toothpaste
  • Mouthwash
  • Dental floss
  • Deodorant refill x 2

anything to add?

OP posts:
Original poster
ifyouwantmylove · 19/05/2026 19:06

PinkPonyAnonymous · 19/05/2026 19:04

My exact thought too. Body oil and post shave oil seem like a mistake!

Also, if you are getting through 2x bottles of SPF in 10 days (assuming 250ml) why are you taking after sun? You must be diligent in your reapplication. I am photosensitive and would finish 250ml in 10 days, so understand taking 2, though I use La Roche Posay which is easy to come by in parts of Europe and often cheaper so I would buy out there.

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They’re not. Body oil is aveeno, the post shave oil prevents irritation.

I take after sun because it’s not just for if you’re burnt?

OP posts:
PinkPonyAnonymous · 19/05/2026 19:04

plumclafoutis · 19/05/2026 18:49

I would ditch at least half of that. I’m surprised someone with such sensitive skin is using so many products full of god knows what.

My exact thought too. Body oil and post shave oil seem like a mistake!

Also, if you are getting through 2x bottles of SPF in 10 days (assuming 250ml) why are you taking after sun? You must be diligent in your reapplication. I am photosensitive and would finish 250ml in 10 days, so understand taking 2, though I use La Roche Posay which is easy to come by in parts of Europe and often cheaper so I would buy out there.

Original poster
ifyouwantmylove · 19/05/2026 18:53

plumclafoutis · 19/05/2026 18:49

I would ditch at least half of that. I’m surprised someone with such sensitive skin is using so many products full of god knows what.

The vast majority is brands like aveeno and loccitane which work really well for my skin! If I don’t, I end up really dry and uncomfortable

OP posts:
plumclafoutis · 19/05/2026 18:49

I would ditch at least half of that. I’m surprised someone with such sensitive skin is using so many products full of god knows what.

Original poster
ifyouwantmylove · 19/05/2026 18:35

Planesmistakenforstars · 19/05/2026 18:33

Are you saying that you use both soap and shower gel for different parts of your body when you shower? I think the only person who can come up with a packing list for you is you.

Yeah, now I’m starting to see that’s perhaps a little unusual!

OP posts:
Planesmistakenforstars · 19/05/2026 18:33

Are you saying that you use both soap and shower gel for different parts of your body when you shower? I think the only person who can come up with a packing list for you is you.

Original poster
ifyouwantmylove · 19/05/2026 18:22

MiddleAgedDread · 19/05/2026 18:20

Just you on the soap / shower gel thing!

I think it might just be one of my quirks 🤣

OP posts:
MiddleAgedDread · 19/05/2026 18:20

Just you on the soap / shower gel thing!

Original poster
ifyouwantmylove · 19/05/2026 17:39

Also - is it just me who sees soap and shower gel as having different roles? In my mind it’s nearly akin to washing up liquid (soap) and hand soap (shower gel). The soap gets through dirt and grime (I.e. sweatier areas, deodorant, feet etc.) and then shower gel is for everything else, a gentler wash that’s not as stripping

OP posts:
Thecows · 19/05/2026 17:37

Decanting everything is revolutionary

Trumpton · 19/05/2026 17:33

I also pack chub rub shorts for under dresses.

Original poster
ifyouwantmylove · 19/05/2026 17:31

MiddleAgedDread · 19/05/2026 17:30

You need better shoes not compeed plasters then!

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I could be wearing nothing and still end up with blisters 😂 I don’t know what’s wrong with my feet but one day the shoes can fit me perfectly, the next I’ll be rubbed to shreds

OP posts:
MiddleAgedDread · 19/05/2026 17:30

ifyouwantmylove · 19/05/2026 17:24

I don’t leave the house without them, let alone a busy holiday!

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You need better shoes not compeed plasters then!

Original poster
ifyouwantmylove · 19/05/2026 17:25

Sorry I should’ve specified as well, when I say cold and flu, I mean night nurse tablets. I use them if I can’t sleep (rare), as I prefer them to sleeping pills!

OP posts:
Original poster
ifyouwantmylove · 19/05/2026 17:24

Trumpton · 19/05/2026 17:21

I was so glad I packed Compeed plasters.
We do a fair bit of walking at least 20,000 steps per day and 15 mins into a walk I noticed a hot spot on one foot. Totally ripped open blister from nowhere! Hobbled back to hotel and put on a Compeed and have walked everyday since with no problems.
I always pack Imodium. Just in case.

Edited

I don’t leave the house without them, let alone a busy holiday!

OP posts:
Trumpton · 19/05/2026 17:21

I was so glad I packed Compeed plasters.
We do a fair bit of walking at least 20,000 steps per day and 15 mins into a walk I noticed a hot spot on one foot. Totally ripped open blister from nowhere! Hobbled back to hotel and put on a Compeed and have walked everyday since with no problems.
I always pack Imodium. Just in case.

mondaytosunday · 19/05/2026 17:18

You do know they have shops in other countries? You’ll need a separate suitcase to haul all that around! I only take: moisturiser, sunscreen, soap/cleaner and facecloth, maybe foundation and mascara if going out at night. Hair shampoo. Body lotion and deodorant. Razor. Toothpaste toothbrush and mouthwash. Mosquito wristbands. Small first aid kit. Done.

sueelleker · 19/05/2026 17:14

Shampoo/conditioner. And maybe a gentle laxative, in case your system goes the other wat!

FunMustard · 19/05/2026 17:12

You've got so many duplicates! I'm assuming you're going to decant some of these into travel sizes for your trip?

Body

  • SPF 50 x 2 - think 2 is probably overkill. We didn't go through 2 in ten days with 5 of us.
  • Shower gel - personally I'd rather take soap, less likely to make a mess!
  • Soap - is this for your face? If not do you really need more than one body wash?
  • Body moisturiser
  • Body oil - Ditto do you need two?
  • After sun - not sure I'd bother with this personally
  • Foot cream - I 100% wouldn't bother with this, body butter only.
  • Shaving gel - nor this, I don't use it at home, just shower gel or shampoo
  • Razor ✅
  • Post shave oil - nope, use body butter
  • Anti-chafe balm - I don't know what this is, but assuming you'll be walking a lot so thinking about that?
Face
  • Rhode face wash
  • Rhode glazing milk
  • Rhode barrier butter
  • Facial SPF 50
  • Retinol - I would recommend not taking this. You're only going for ten days and possibly going to be getting a lot of sun, even with SPF, your skin might get much more sensitive.
  • Rhode spot patches
First aid/health
  • Paracetamol
  • Ibuprofen
  • Anti-diarrhoea tablets - wouldn't bother myself
  • Electrolytes - nor this
  • Plasters - nor this
  • Blister plasters - probably not
  • Antiseptic cream - wouldn't bother
  • Bite relief cream - I don't get bitten so wouldn't bother
  • Antihistamines - might with these
  • Cold and flu relief - wouldn't bother. You're taking paracetamol and ibuprofen
Miscellaneous
  • Toothpaste
  • Mouthwash
  • Dental floss
  • Deodorant refill x 2 - are you really going to use that much?! In ten days?
Original poster
ifyouwantmylove · 19/05/2026 17:06

Somersetbaker · 19/05/2026 16:57

You've forgotten the marmite. Ditch the rest and buy what you NEED when you get there. Though if you're going to Italy, ibuprofen is very expensive, so may be take a pack of that.

Maybe I’m just high maintenance but this is pretty much what I use on a weekly basis!

OP posts:
Somersetbaker · 19/05/2026 16:57

You've forgotten the marmite. Ditch the rest and buy what you NEED when you get there. Though if you're going to Italy, ibuprofen is very expensive, so may be take a pack of that.

Original poster
ifyouwantmylove · 19/05/2026 16:56

Swiftie1878 · 19/05/2026 16:53

Get the red bottled Kerastase Bain Après Soleil shampoo. It’s the best for hair in the sun and in chlorine (swimming pool).

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I’ll have a look! I’ll only be sea swimming but I’m desperate to protect my extensions

OP posts:
IndigoBluey · 19/05/2026 16:55

Anti bug spray

EvelynBeatrice · 19/05/2026 16:55

ifyouwantmylove · 19/05/2026 16:52

Most of it yes! Last time I travelled I ran out of deodorant three days before the end and ended up with a horrendous rash after getting some from the supermarket so I’m a bit cautious. I also can see myself showering at least twice a day, so need to count that in!

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Find a good pharmacy instead of supermarket. Usually much more likely to have hypoallergenic brands such as Vichy or Avene or local equivalent.

EvelynBeatrice · 19/05/2026 16:53

We buy Olaplex at the pharmacy in Spain. Again cheaper than U.K.